Kumihimo Basics & Beyond by Rebecca Combs presents techniques for creating all-cord braids and beaded braids, then teaches you how to transform them into finished jewelry. Short demonstrations of the key techniques needed for each project are presented in easy-to-grasp portions, allowing you to learn and practice as you go. Rebecca demystifies tricky “kumihimo math” by providing detailed supply lists for each project in the book, plus teaches you how to calculate the amount of fiber and how many beads you'll need for your future kumihimo projects.

Rebecca Combs has always had a passion for creating and teaching. She is the owner of Design & Adorn Beading Studio in Tucson, Arizona, and has been teaching a variety of classes in jewelry making there since 2008. Her specialty is kumihimo jewelry. She leads a variety of workshops with an emphasis on incorporating beads into kumihimo braids at other venues as well, including the annual Bead&Button Show.

I had the pleasure of reviewing Rebecca Ann Combs' "Kumihimo Basics & Beyond" for Kalmbach books. I haven't done any kumihimo for some time so looked forward to this book. It didn't disappoint. It covers basic braiding, more advanced as well as various beaded kumihimo techniques with wonderful photos for those of us visual learners. I particularly liked the 1 page, String Theory, in which she discusses some possibly problems and what to do about it. Highly recommended!
-Lea Avroch, LaJewelryDesigns

I have had the good fortune of spending time in Rebecca's bead store in Tucson, Arizona as a teacher. I've seen first hand how knowledgeable her customers are due to her non-stop class schedule. It was no surprise to me that I would love her book. Kumihimo is something that I have been exploring more and more with Soft Flex beading wire. So, it is perfect timing to have a book in hand with some new pattern ideas that I can try. Are you familiar with kumihimo? It is "fast, relaxing, portable and offers endless possibilities." Basically, you are creating braids using a round board with notches in it. The basic foam board is inexpensive and you can really use almost any thread, fiber or wire that you like. So the start up cost is minimal. I think that this book coupled with a Kumihimo board would make a wonderful gift!
-Sara Oehler, SoftFlexGirl